Beer Man: Rogue delivers fine doughnut-inspired…

Beer Man is a weekly profile of beers from across the country and around the world.

This week: Voodoo Doughnut

Rogue Ales, Newport, Ore.

www.rogue.com

My first thought upon seeing Voodoo Doughnut on the shelf of my local liquor store was, "So Pepto-Bismol is now in the beer business?"

The bright pink 750 ml bottle certainly stands out among its competition. Its makeup is also unique — a chocolate, peanut butter and banana ale.

I expected an overly sweet, candy bar-type beer, but I should have had more faith in Rogue, which consistently produces fine beers.

The chocolate was more in line with what you might find in many dark ales — more of a chocolate grain flavor than chocolate candy. The banana was prominent, producing bubble gum esters and flavors you might find in many Belgian ales. The peanut butter was more noticeable in the aroma than the taste, where it showed up more in the mouthfeel than as a nutty taste.

As someone who regularly eats peanut butter, banana and jelly sandwiches, I would have liked a bit more peanut butter flavor in the ale. I can see where that might be tricky, however; possibly adding too thick of a mouthfeel to the beer.

Sweetness is minimal in the 5.3% ABV ale, and there was a slightly bitter hop bite and roasted malt throughout. The strong banana character will probably make or break this beer depending on the individual. If you like Well's Banana Bread Beer from England, this will probably be up your alley.

Voodoo Doughnut is a doughnut chain in Oregon with three locations and provides the namesake for the Rogue beer. The chain's signature pink boxes are the reason for the color of the ale bottle. Its Bacon Maple doughnut is also the basis for another Voodoo Doughnut ale from Rogue.

Rogue beers are sold in all 50 states, but Rogue also gives the option of ordering online from its website. It cannot mail order to Massachusetts, North Dakota, Texas or Utah.

Someone 21 years or older must be available! upon delivery to sign for the shipment; packages cannot be left without this verification.

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Many beers are available only regionally. Check the brewer's website, which often contains information on product availability. Contact Todd Haefer at beerman@postcrescent.com. To read previous Beer Man columns Click here.